Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday launched a blistering attack on the main opposition party, the Congress, over the “shirtless” protest organized by Indian Youth Congress workers on February 20 at the India AI Impact Summit in New Delhi, calling it an act of “dirty and naked politics” that “brings shame to the country” in front of international guests.
Speaking at a public rally in Uttar Pradesh’s Meerut, after stopping the Namo Bharat high-speed rail link with Delhi and the Meerut local metro, Prime Minister Modi said: “There are some political parties within the country who cannot digest India’s success.”
He added: “You have just witnessed the world’s largest AI conference in India. Delegates from more than 80 countries have come to Delhi. Heads of state from about 20 countries have come to India.”
Modi turned to the crowd and asked: “Are you proud of this AI conference?” – Draw the affirmation out loud.
“The entire country was full of pride, but what did the Congress and its ecosystem do? The Congress has turned a global event for India into a platform for its dirty and naked politics. Congress leaders reached the venue naked in front of the foreign guests,” he said.
Modi said in a scathing criticism: “I ask the members of Congress: The country knows that you are already naked, so why did you feel the need to take off your clothes?”
As part of the protest that drew a sharp response from Prime Minister Modi and the BJP before him, a group of Indian Youth Congress workers entered Exhibition Hall No. 5 at the Bharat Mandapam, removing their shirts to hold or reveal T-shirts bearing anti-government slogans, pictures of Prime Minister Modi and US President Donald Trump, and letters accusing the Prime Minister of “compromising” on the framework of the Indo-US trade deal. Delhi Police subsequently arrested four IYC workers: Krishna Hari, Kundan Yadav, Ajay Kumar and Narasimha Yadav. Police are also investigating the “broader conspiracy” angle and are questioning IYC president Uday Bano Shaib.
The Congress party stuck to its stance, saying the protest was necessary to “expose” the Modi government.
The stunt drew condemnation from across party lines, including some of Congress’ partners in the India bloc.
In Meerut, Modi stressed that the AI summit was a national achievement, and not a BJP event, and that no BJP leader was present during the protest. “The corrupt policy pursued by the Congress is condemned by the entire country,” he said, adding that the incident reflects the “ideological bankruptcy” of the party.
The Prime Minister also accused Congress leaders of making personal attacks, saying they “do not even hesitate to insult my mother.”
Modi also said on this occasion that India’s global position is expanding, stressing that developed countries are now keen to sign trade agreements with India. He said this was different from the era of Congress, when the world was reluctant to deal with a government “famous for fraud.”
The Prime Minister inaugurated development projects worth approx $12,930 crore in Meerut, including the city’s new metro service, and took the train from Shatabdi Nagar Namo Bharat station to Meerut South station, where he interacted with students. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, UP BJP president and Union Minister Pankaj Chaudhary accompanied the Prime Minister throughout the event.
(Inputs from Annie)
